BE GRATEFUL for the peace and stability that the nation has been blessed with, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam told Bruneians.

Delivering his customary Aidil Fitri titah that was broadcast on state media last night, the monarch said it does not matter that Brunei is small so long as it is free from crisis and turmoil.

This peace is a blessing that not every country, not even those far larger and richer, can experience, he said.

His Majesty told citizens and residents of Brunei to be grateful for the peace that Allah SWT has bestowed on the sultanate, and to shield and strengthen this blessing.

In light of Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, the monarch said in this moment filled with blessings and harmony, it is important for those who receive blessings, to feel obligated to be thankful for it.

“Gratitude is a quality of the pious and whoever is always grateful will have their blessings increased by Allah SWT,” he said.

“The blessings from Allah SWT are so much that it cannot be counted and among the obvious blessings is the blessing of life that we go through as long as we are alive.”

The ruler said with Allah’s SWT generosity, life in Brunei is moving smoothly and there are no complications that can disrupt it.

“Alhamdulillah, Brunei is safe from any kind of crisis. We do not experience turmoil usually experienced by others (in certain countries). In the socio-economic field, we have always been harmonious and stable, thanks to a just and good management – this situation must be maintained, for a Brunei that is prosperous and happy,” he said.

He said the pursuit of happiness is not an easy path and not every country is fortunate enough to experience it.

“Even with a large size and population, if a country is chained down by crisis, then that is a sign of unhappiness, or if a country is wealthy and prosperous but still trapped in conflict, then that is also a sign that it is not harmonious.

“This is what we want to steer clear from in Brunei. Let it be that our size is small, so long as we are safe from crisis and turmoil. This is what everyone dreams and considers a true blessing.”

The monarch said there are many lessons that can be learned from observing certain events overseas such as natural disasters, accidents and wars that inflict great casualties.

“The strife is worsening and prolonged, even more condemning is that the casualties no longer directly affect those fighting, but also innocent civilians including children and the elderly,” he said.

“What worsens this suffering is the advent of these elements that hide themselves under the guise of religion, whose place and origins are unknown … and because of them, the peace and security is threatened.”

His Majesty said he feels obliged to remind the country’s citizens to watch out for unhealthy influences and elements no matter where they come from.

“Beware! If the doors of others can be intruded, then why can’t ours?

“Thus, do not be complacent and be easily deceived, instead shield ourselves with the true Bruneian spirit and strong religious values, without being tricked by any propaganda,” he said.

The monarch said what is important is Brunei is already good in other people’s eyes and there is no longer any dispute to it. Hence, it is befitting that Bruneians continue to strengthen this situation as there is not a need to seek anything supposedly better because Bruneians are actually already at “our best”.

“We have owned this good status for more than 600 years and proven that it is capable of bringing us forward and progress. I am very satisfied with what we have, as a country that continues to be stable and peaceful.”

“Our obligation is to protect it and be grateful. It should be remembered that all this was not achieved with just hard work but instead a special blessing to us. Why do I say this? Because everybody in the world dreams of it but not everyone can possess it even with hard work and big expenditures,” he said.

His Majesty said this reality is a reminder to Allah’s SWT promise that when there are people who are devout and pious, then they will be bestowed with bounties.

“The blessings that we own today, the peace and stability are also blessings from Allah SWT,” he said.

The monarch extended the royal family’s Aidil Fitri wishes to all Muslim citizens and residents.

DESPITE first making its appearance in the Sultanate during the 1940s, Kuih Mor continues to be a household favourite today as a tea time snack or festive treat particularly during Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.

Siti Norhafizah Hj Bagol, a final year student at Universiti Brunei Darussalam who researched on Kuih Mor as part of her Brunei Traditional Industry module, said the three-ingredient sweet treat may have existed in Brunei as early as the 1940s when padi was known to have been grown to make different food items.

Over time, the cookie has also become a popular door-gift choice often handed out at Malay weddings or gatherings, said Siti Norhafizah.

Made with flour, oil and granulated sugar which have been ground into a powder, the bite-sized biscuits have a crumbly texture and are coated with powdered sugar.

The age-old technique of making Kuih Mor by hand has however changed over the course of time, with many now opt…

BY COMMAND of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Prime Minister’s Office hereby announces that His Majesty has consented to the transfer and appointment of the following senior officers – Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, Permanent Secretary (Law and Welfare) at the Prime Minister’s Office as well as the Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau and Solicitor General has been transferred to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; and Datin Elinda binti Haji CA Mohamed, Special Senior Duties Officer, Ministry of Home Affairs has been appointed as Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office and Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau.